You're gonna need an adapter or two.

Apple announced the iPhone 5 earlier this week, and one of the major changes to the device is its connector. Apple’s new 8-pin "Lightning" connector replaces the legacy 30-pin connector used in previous iPhone generations. This conversion to the new connector will leave many iPhone peripherals out in the cold unless you purchase the needed adapters. The Lightning connector is smaller and reversible, which is nice. But is it worth getting the iPhone 5 if it makes all your previous connectors obsolete?

The Ars OpenForum has been following Apple’s announcement of the iPhone 5 closely in the thread "Official" Apple Sept 2012 event discussion thread. As the event unfolded on Wednesday, the OpenForum members analyzed Apple’s move to the new connector. The iPhone is not the only Apple device getting a dock overhaul: iPods, which were also announced this week, will also get Lightning dock connectors. It looks like this is the way of the future for Apple gadgets, so customers who are converting now may see the new technology as an investment for the future.

When it comes to the transition, ClarkGoble comes right out and says it: "Honestly to me the new connector is a step backwards—even though I understand completely why they are moving to it."

Captain Riker has some serious doubts about the promise of the new 8-pin cable: "Are there any good notes on what the new dock connector offers beyond a smaller form factor and the ability to plug it in in any direction? I assume that Apple will release adapters for HDMI and Video out eventually. The note about the adapter seems to be a reflection of the adapter's ability to pass iPod control and video, not the connectors. Still a horrible message for anyone with a 'legacy dock' based device. My nice Bose sound dock may output music but its own controls and remote are useless? There is a paranoid part of me that thinks that Apple will take the stance that 'you only really need bluetooth and Airplay to get audio/video out' and that will be that. Of course that would beg the question: Why not just go with microUSB? Faster charging and reversibility aren't great selling points over 'use any cable/charger.'"

ChrisGquestions Apple’s choice to not adopt a standardized plug for the iPhone in response to comments from MrRefinement. "You say that Apple wouldn't want to use standardized plugs, but what about you, personally? Are you actually keen on buying adapters for stuff [like] that only because Apple say you have to? I noticed the other day that I've suddenly accumulated 3 or 4 USB main adapters with microUSB on the end (and a couple of with just USB outputs, so you can plug in anything with USB of some description on the other), which comes in incredibly handy when I have friends staying who need to charge phones overnight etc. Hell, I even have a rechargeable flashlight with a microUSB connector on it. With Apple stuff, nope. Wouldn't happen.

"Apple’s Lightning connector will definitely force users to buy adapters for peripherals and other gadgets that connect to the iPhone, which could add up in cost, when you consider the adaptors start at $29 a piece. The connector does support analog and digital audio out. If you’re looking for video out, don’t get your hopes up, because it doesn’t do it. Because the Lightning connector is a proprietary design, there’s no substitutes for [it] at this point. On the upside, the new connector will transfer data more quickly, so that’s a big plus."

ChrisGnotes that Apple’s proprietary design "sidesteps a standard that everyone else uses (microUSB) for no apparent reason other than to be different, but which would be entirely adequate for the job anyway. In fact, Engadget are reporting a Lightning-microUSB adapter for £15 as of this morning given the EU's mandate that smartphones should all use microUSB anyway."

For Captain Riker, video out is an important point. "On the Video out, if the new Lightning connector can't do video out then there might be trouble. I think (hope) it's the adapter that can't do video out but that the new connector can do video out. If it can't then why not just use microUSB and HDMI?"

While Apple is not likely to share exactly why it chose to move to this unique connector at this moment, the OpenForum is a great place to read analysis and speculation on this strategy. If you are considering buying or upgrading to an iPhone 5, how does the Lightning connector issue impact your buying decision? If you are a first-time owner, perhaps it doesn’t matter, but what if you want to use your old gadgets and peripherals on the new phone? What are your thoughts on the pricing of the adaptors? Join in the conversation with us in the Ars OpenForum. Register for an account to participate in the discussion.

Cesar Torres / Cesar is the Social Editor at Ars Technica. His areas of expertise are in online communities, human-computer interaction, usability, and e-reader technology. Cesar lives in New York City.